The music streaming landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with various services vying for our attention and subscription dollars. Among the most popular options is Apple Music, which has become a major player in the industry since its launch in 2015. But is Apple Music free now? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Apple Music, exploring its features, pricing, and whether it’s possible to enjoy the service without breaking the bank.
The Evolution of Apple Music
Before we dive into the question of whether Apple Music is free, let’s take a brief look at its evolution. Launched in 2015, Apple Music was initially touted as a premium service aimed at rivaling established players like Spotify and Tidal. The service was designed to provide users with a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations, alongside exclusive content from popular artists.
In the early days, Apple Music operated on a freemium model, offering a three-month free trial to new users. After the trial period ended, users would need to subscribe to the service to continue enjoying its features. However, in recent years, Apple has made significant changes to its pricing strategy, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Current Pricing and Plans
So, is Apple Music free now? Not entirely, but it’s more affordable than ever before. Apple Music offers several pricing tiers to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the current plans:
| Plan | Price (per month) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $9.99 | Access to entire music library, personalized recommendations, and exclusive content |
| Student | $4.99 | Same features as Individual plan, available to students with a valid .edu email address |
| Family | $14.99 | Up to six users, access to entire music library, and exclusive content |
In addition to these plans, Apple also offers a free trial period, which allows new users to try out the service for three months without committing to a subscription.
Is Apple Music Free with Apple Devices?
One common misconception is that Apple Music is free with Apple devices, such as iPhones or MacBooks. While Apple does offer some music-related features with its devices, these are not the same as a full Apple Music subscription.
For example, Apple devices come with a feature called Apple Music 1 (formerly Beats 1 Radio), which is a free, ad-supported radio station that plays a curated selection of music. This service is available to anyone with an Apple device, regardless of whether they subscribe to Apple Music.
Similarly, Apple devices also offer a feature called “iTunes Radio,” which allows users to create custom radio stations based on their favorite artists or songs. While these features are free, they are not equivalent to a full Apple Music subscription, which offers a much larger music library and more advanced features.
Free Trial and Promotions
While Apple Music is not entirely free, the service does offer various promotions and free trials to attract new users. Here are a few ways to get Apple Music for free or at a discounted rate:
- Three-Month Free Trial: New users can sign up for a three-month free trial, which provides access to the entire Apple Music library and features.
- Verizon Promotion: Verizon customers can get six months of Apple Music for free with select plans.
- Student Discount: Students with a valid .edu email address can get Apple Music for $4.99 per month, a 50% discount on the Individual plan.
Alternative Free Music Streaming Options
If you’re looking for a free music streaming option, there are several alternatives to Apple Music. Here are a few popular choices:
Songs You’ve Purchased or Ripped
If you’ve purchased music from the iTunes Store or ripped songs from CDs, you can play them for free on your Apple devices without an Apple Music subscription.
Spotify Free
Spotify offers a free tier that allows users to stream music with occasional ads. While the free tier has some limitations, such as lower audio quality and limited skips, it’s a great option for those who want to stream music without committing to a subscription.
YouTube Music
YouTube Music is a music streaming service that focuses on video content, including official songs, covers, and remixes. The service offers a free tier with ads, as well as a premium subscription for ad-free listening.
Conclusion
So, is Apple Music free now? While Apple Music is not entirely free, it’s more accessible than ever before, with a range of pricing plans and promotions to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a student, a music enthusiast, or just looking for a new way to discover music, Apple Music is definitely worth considering.
Remember, with Apple Music, you get access to a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations, alongside exclusive content from popular artists. And with its free trial and promotional offers, you can try out the service without breaking the bank. So why not give Apple Music a spin and see what it has to offer?
Is Apple Music really free now?
Apple Music is not entirely free, but it does offer a free trial period and some free features. The service has a free tier that allows users to listen to Apple Music radio stations, including Beats 1, and listen to music that they’ve purchased or uploaded to their libraries. However, to access the full range of Apple Music features, including ad-free listening, offline playback, and access to millions of songs, users need to subscribe to the service.
The free trial period for Apple Music is typically three months, during which users can try out the service and decide if they want to continue with a paid subscription. It’s worth noting that Apple Music is not free for students or anyone else, unlike some other music streaming services that offer discounted subscriptions for students. However, Apple does offer a discounted plan for students, which costs $4.99 per month.
What features are included in the free tier of Apple Music?
The free tier of Apple Music includes access to Apple Music radio stations, including Beats 1, and the ability to listen to music that users have purchased or uploaded to their libraries. Users can also listen to Apple’s curated playlists, such as New Music Mix and Friends Mix, and can follow and view friends’ music libraries. However, the free tier has some limitations, such as ads and limited skips.
The free tier of Apple Music is a great way for users to try out the service and see if it’s right for them. It’s also a good option for users who only want to listen to radio stations or music that they already own. However, users who want to access the full range of Apple Music features, including ad-free listening, offline playback, and access to millions of songs, will need to subscribe to the service.
How much does Apple Music cost?
The cost of Apple Music varies depending on the type of subscription and the country you’re in. In the United States, the individual plan costs $9.99 per month, while the family plan, which allows up to six users, costs $14.99 per month. There’s also a student plan, which costs $4.99 per month.
It’s worth noting that Apple Music offers a discounted plan for students, which is available to students with a valid .edu email address. Additionally, Apple Music offers a free trial period, during which users can try out the service and decide if they want to continue with a paid subscription.
What’s the difference between Apple Music and Spotify?
Apple Music and Spotify are both music streaming services that offer millions of songs, playlists, and radio stations. However, there are some key differences between the two services. Apple Music is deeply integrated with Apple devices, such as iPhones and Macs, and offers features like Siri integration and exclusive content from popular artists. Spotify, on the other hand, is available on a wider range of devices and offers features like Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists.
In terms of pricing, Apple Music and Spotify are similar, with individual plans costing $9.99 per month and family plans costing $14.99 per month. However, Spotify offers a free tier with limited features, while Apple Music only offers a free trial period. Ultimately, the choice between Apple Music and Spotify will depend on your personal preferences and the devices you use.
Can I use Apple Music with an Android device?
Yes, Apple Music is available on Android devices, in addition to Apple devices like iPhones and Macs. To use Apple Music on an Android device, you’ll need to download the Apple Music app from the Google Play Store and sign up for a subscription. You can then use the app to listen to music, create playlists, and access other Apple Music features.
However, it’s worth noting that Apple Music is optimized for Apple devices, and some features, like Siri integration, may not be available on Android devices. Additionally, Apple Music may not be as well-integrated with Android devices as it is with Apple devices.
How do I cancel my Apple Music subscription?
If you want to cancel your Apple Music subscription, you can do so through the Apple Music app or through the Settings app on your Apple device. To cancel through the Apple Music app, open the app, tap on the “For You” tab, and then tap on your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap on “View Apple ID” and then tap on “Subscriptions.” Find your Apple Music subscription and tap on “Cancel Subscription.”
To cancel through the Settings app, open the Settings app, tap on [your name], and then tap on “Subscriptions.” Find your Apple Music subscription and tap on “Cancel Subscription.” You can also cancel your subscription through iTunes on your computer. Once you’ve canceled your subscription, you’ll still be able to use Apple Music until the end of your current billing cycle.
Can I use Apple Music with my Echo or Alexa device?
Yes, Apple Music is available on Echo and Alexa devices, in addition to Apple devices like iPhones and Macs. To use Apple Music with your Echo or Alexa device, you’ll need to link your Apple Music account to your Alexa account. Once you’ve done this, you can use voice commands to play music, create playlists, and access other Apple Music features.
However, it’s worth noting that Apple Music may not be the default music service on your Echo or Alexa device, which means you’ll need to specify “Apple Music” when giving voice commands. For example, you might say “Alexa, play [song name] on Apple Music.” Additionally, some Apple Music features, like Siri integration, may not be available on Echo or Alexa devices.